What's included
8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Students will be provided from the teacher with example essays, practice essays, editing practice, and revision practice sheets. Students who need more practice will have access to more practice materials in the areas they need. There is no assigned homework this is just to help students in areas they want to work on.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Are you a reluctant writer hesitant to put pen to paper? Fear not! This transformative course is specially crafted to empower even the most hesitant writers to excel in essay composition. Join us as we embark on a journey to demystify the art of crafting compelling 5-paragraph essays, tailored for high school students seeking to overcome writing apprehension. Throughout this course, we prioritize creating a supportive and encouraging environment where reluctant writers can thrive. We understand the challenges that come with getting started, so we provide tailored strategies and techniques to break through writer's block and unleash your creative potential. Each session is carefully designed to accommodate different learning styles and comfort levels, offering a variety of entry points for reluctant writers to engage with the material. From interactive discussions to visual aids and hands-on activities, we ensure that every student feels valued and included in the learning process. Our approach focuses on building confidence and fostering a positive attitude towards writing. Through personalized feedback and one-on-one support, we help reluctant writers identify their strengths and address areas for improvement, gradually building their skills and self-assurance. By the end of the course, reluctant writers will not only have mastered the structure and mechanics of the 5-paragraph essay but will also have discovered a newfound passion for writing. Armed with newfound confidence and skills, they'll be ready to tackle any writing task with enthusiasm and creativity. Whether you're a hesitant writer looking to overcome your fears or simply seeking to enhance your writing skills, this course offers a welcoming and inclusive space where you can grow and thrive as a writer. Join us on this empowering journey and unlock your full potential as a confident and capable essayist!
Learning Goals
Understand the Structure: Students will learn the fundamental components of a 5-paragraph essay, including the introduction, three body paragraphs, and the conclusion.
Thesis Statement: Students will be able to craft a clear and concise thesis statement that effectively introduces the main argument of their essay.
Integrating Evidence: Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate evidence smoothly into their paragraphs.
Restating the Thesis: Students will learn techniques for restating the thesis and summarizing main points without redundancy.
Self-Editing Techniques: Students will learn techniques for self-editing their work, including the use of grammar and spell check tools.
Revision Strategies: Students will apply revision strategies to improve the clarity and coherence of their essays.
Finishing Touches: Students will learn how to apply the final touches to their essays, including formatting and citations.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum8 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to 5-Paragraph Essays
We start with an explanation of the fundamental structure of a 5-paragraph essay, focusing on the introduction, three body paragraphs, and the conclusion. A sample essay will be presented for students to analyze. Following this, guided exercises will help students select topics that interest them. Prompts and examples will be used to inspire ideas, and students will be introduced to brainstorming techniques such as mind mapping and free writing to generate ideas.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Crafting the Introduction and Thesis Statement
We will shift to crafting the introduction and thesis statement. Students will learn various hook strategies to grab the reader's attention, such as starting with a question, quote, or anecdote, with examples provided to illustrate effective hooks. The session will then explain how to craft a clear, concise thesis statement, supplemented by examples and non-examples to highlight the key elements of a strong thesis.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Developing Body Paragraphs
We will develop their body paragraphs. Instruction will cover how to write clear and concise topic sentences that introduce the main idea of each paragraph, with examples and non-examples provided for clarity. Students will learn how to support their topic sentences using facts, quotes, and examples and how to integrate this evidence smoothly into their paragraphs.
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Crafting Conclusions and Finalizing Essays
We will focus on crafting conclusions and finalizing essays. Students will be taught techniques for restating the thesis and summarizing main ideas without redundancy. The session will cover methods for leaving a strong final impression on the reader, including effective clincher sentences, with examples provided to demonstrate how to conclude an essay compellingly.
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is ideal for reluctant writers, as well as students who are neurodivergent, have ADHD, ASD, or dyslexia. The materials are designed to be flexible and can be adjusted to best meet each student’s needs. Additional practice resourc
Supply List
Students will be provided from the teacher with example essays, practice essays, editing practice, and revision practice sheets.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
For more than 15 years, I've been deeply involved in education, spending the last 9 years as a homeschooling parent. My greatest joy lies in helping students delve into complex subjects by exploring various perspectives. In today's world, narratives hold significant weight, influencing our understanding immensely. I'm passionate about sharing diverse literature that captivates students and broadens their comprehension. In my classes, I bring history to life through a blend of novels and primary sources, delving into socioeconomic factors, religious influences, and the nuances of narration bias. Encouraging critical thinking, I prompt students to consider multiple viewpoints and the motivations behind historical events.
For over 7 years, I've taught at a local homeschool co-op, both in-person and online. One of my favorite roles has been leading middle and high school book clubs, where I not only introduce students to new books but also facilitate discussions on challenging topics. Having undergone diversity training and sensitivity workshops, I approach these discussions with care, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and respected. Attending numerous professional developments, I've honed strategies for fostering inclusivity and highlighting multiple points of view.
My educational journey began with a B.B.A. from Northwood University, followed by a transition to pursue a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University. Unfortunately, family circumstances led me to prioritize homeschooling my children over completing the program.
Across various homeschool groups and co-ops, I've taught a range of subjects including English, History, Finance, and Engineering. My passion for literature shines through in running book clubs and teaching classes on essay writing, grammar, and novel analysis. I've curated diverse book selections, fostering rich discussions on themes, characters, and symbolism.
Responding to students' interests, I initiated the Literature through Film series, offering an alternative way to explore classic literature through movie adaptations. This approach accommodated different reading paces and preferences, maintaining our focus on thorough novel analysis.
In my History classes, I employ a multi-faceted approach, incorporating primary sources, articles, and films to examine diverse perspectives and marginalized narratives. Similarly, in Finance and Entrepreneurship classes, I prioritize hands-on learning, guiding students through real-world applications such as budgeting, mortgage calculations, and investment tracking.
Utilizing Lego Education Kits, I've led engineering classes, both in-person and through platforms like Outschool. These sessions encourage creativity and problem-solving, fostering an interest in STEM fields.
Continuing my professional development journey, I actively participate in events like EdCamp, NerdCamp, and NaNoWriMo, enhancing my teaching practices and staying abreast of educational innovations.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$70
weekly or $140 for 8 classes4x per week, 2 weeks
50 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class